Microorganisms are ubiquitous and cosmopolitan in distribution. They colonize, grow, survive and multiply on diversified habitats. The physic-chemical parameters of habitat, seasonal variation and meteorological conditions influence their occurrence, distribution and activity. The microbes have been found associated with this planet since the origin of life and without these life is not feasible. It is estimated that there exist about 5 million living organisms and the number of undescribed microbial species seems to be 1.9 million. Microorganisms play an important role in agriculture, pharmaceutical/medicine, health, cycling of elements, food chain cycle, biodegradation, forestry and industry.

Fungi are non-chlorophyllous living organisms. The absence of chlorophyll has enforced them to live as saprophytes or parasites. Out of estimated 1.5 million fungi over 97, 861 species are reported from different parts of the world and over 29, 000 fungal species are recorded from India indicating that S, global fungal diversity exists in India. These fungi are known to colonize diversified habitats including water. Aquatic fungi live and multiply in water and are involved in the cycle of life in nature.

Zoosporic fungi are known to be present in water either as saprophytes or parasites. The aquatic fungi can be isolated from water mainly by means of baiting techniques. Solid agar media such as mineral agar, cornmeal agar, oatmeal agar, hempseed agar, potato dextrose agar and others have been used to grow them artificially. Water culture, silica gel, lyophilisation etc. are some of the methods used for conservation.

Water-borne conidial fungi are the asexual phases of Ascomycotina and Basidiomycotina. The fungal conidia get trapped in foam, germinate and multiply on submerged dark brown leaves. Their perfect stages may exist on submerged wood, litter etc.

Fungi are essential part of the living world and their activities have a direct bearing on human welfare. Detailed knowledge of fungi involved in biodegradation and substrates attacked under different ecological conditions make it possible to increase the efficiency of degradation of cellulose and lignocellulosic materials, which are resistant to attack.

About the authors

Prof. C. Manoharachary, Served Osmania University for 40 years in different capaties including as Head of the Department of Botany. He has guided 50students for Ph.D, Published 540 Research Papers and Authored 30 Books. His recipient of Four National Award from Government of India, Five Awards from State Government and Delivered 36 Endowment Lecturers. He did Post Doctoral at U.K., U.S.A, Germany and visited six other Countries.

Dr. L.K. Kunwar, Served as Research Scientist at U.S.A. and Department of Botany Osmania University for more than Thirty years Published 120 Research Papers and Authored Five Books.